• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Wood Typers

Wood FAQs and Supplier Information

  • Home
  • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • Submit Questions
  • Sitemap

Plywood

How To Eliminate Plywood Confusion

Last updated on September 19, 2016 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

plywood stacked in lumberyard buildingThe plywood market is a difficult one to discern, and no one is arguing that fact. But that doesn’t mean you can’t become better able to navigate the twists and turns that are part of the plywood industry. In short, your confusion doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. In addition to the suggestions we make in our “Buyer’s Guide to Quality Plywood,” we’d like to offer a recommendation that might not be exactly the formula or simple how-to formula you’d like: You need to educate yourself about plywood. Lumber knowledge is free, but it can save you a lot of money, in the long run.

Where To Start

Start with a general knowledge of (1) plywood pricing and grading, (2) plywood cores, and (3) composition of plies. As you realize the many variations and how they influence the quality, appearance, and pricing of plywood, you’ll begin to understand why the issue is so complex. Once you understand what impacts pricing in general, it’s time to get more specific and hands-on in your educational pursuits.

types of plywoodWhere To Go Next

Visit your local lumber dealer and take the time to peruse the plywood they have in stock. Instead of shaking your head, wondering why one sheet is $9 more than the seemingly identical sheet beside it, ask what the difference is. Now, do the same thing the next time you’re at another lumber yard, even if you’re not there for plywood.

Soon, you’ll realize that the issue typically isn’t about one dealer’s profit margins versus anothers, but plywood pricing differences indicating product differences. As you become more accustomed to the variables that influence price variations, you’ll be more equipped to make knowledgeable choices when it comes to plywood selection. Knowing what price point you can expect to pay for your “perfect panel,” whatever that may be, will be key in your being able to actually realize your plywood dreams or requests.

marine grade plywoodWhere To End Up

While you don’t want to compromise quality when it comes to your plywood order, you can save money other ways. For instance, when you purchase lumber from J. Gibson McIlvain, you can be assured of top quality materials and ready explanations for pricing variations. We carefully document our supply chains for all lumber and lumber products we sell and can help you save money in many ways.

For one thing, we can help you discern whether you really need top-grade plywood for your project. For another thing, we can combine shipment on all your solid hardwood, solid softwood, millwork products, and plywood, saving you valuable time and money by delivering all the lumber you need for a given project to the job site at the same time.

McIlvain lumberyard
McIlvain lumberyard

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Plywood

Hardwood Plywood

Last updated on October 6, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Cherry Plywood
Cherry Plywood

Plywood is a type of wood that is engineered in such a way that it is well-suited to a wide variety of applications. Plywood is manufactured by adhering multiple layers of wood veneer – extremely thin layers of wood – to one another with a special type of durable glue. When the veneer layers are glued together, they are usually attached with their grain patterns at right angles to one another because this positioning increases strength and reduces the possibility for warpage, cracking, shrinking, twisting, and other types of damage to which non-plywoods are usually susceptible.

Plywood was designed to be stronger than non-engineered wood, and hardwood plywood in particular is very stable. Unlike most species of wood, plywood is largely impervious to the movements, shifting, and checking that can be caused by changes in temperature and humidity. Because of this stability, hardwood plywood is a “go-to” wood choice for craftsmen in a variety of industries, especially those in which the final projects are expected to perform under tight tolerances, such as door panels trapped within rails and stiles.

Other industries, such as the flooring industry, benefit from plywood’s exceptional strength, and the wood is often used as a strong and reliable base layer. Unlike marine grade plywood, which is specially designed to be flexible enough to bend to meet the specifications of the boating industry, most types of hardwood plywood are not very flexible. Although there are exceptions to this rule, hardwood plywood is generally quite difficult to bend. Again, though, the fact that it is so strong is definitely part of its appeal.

Sapele Plywood
Sapele Plywood

Many types of hardwood plywood are manufactured by gluing thin layers of a durable and inexpensive hardwood together and a single layer of a more highly sought after type of wood on each end. This gives the entire hardwood plywood board the appearance of a more expensive type of wood, making it easy to match to the rest of the project’s lumber, but it keeps costs down by filling the inner layers, which remain unseen, with an inexpensive (yet fully functional) type of wood veneer. This is not always the case, however, and some companies manufacture hardwood plywood where the entire core of veneer layers is made from the same type of wood as the outside layers.

According to the J Gibson McIlvain Company, a centuries-old wholesaler of high quality lumber, the most commonly requested types of hardwood plywood are Cherry, Natural Birch, African Mahogany, Red Oak, Natural Maple, Sapele, White Maple, White Birch, Walnut, and White Oak. These plywoods are, of course, available in a multitude of sizes and thicknesses, making hardwood plywood a great option for a wide range of applications.

Filed Under: Plywood

Understanding Increased Hardwood Plywood Prices

Last updated on October 1, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Red Oak Plywood
Red Oak Plywood

In February 2013, the US Department of Commerce approved a 23% Countervailing Duty on Chinese imports of hardwood plywood. While supposedly aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers, the overall beneficial effect on the hardwood plywood industry is highly debatable. Since the increased prices on imported ply have surfaced, prices of domestically manufactured hardwood plywood have risen as well. While this may seem like your typical healthy competition, the governmental intervention makes it a bit more complicated than that. Add in a prospective Anti-Dumping margin that could further increase import prices, and the hardwood plywood industry could really be a mess.

While high prices seem like a bad thing to customers, when it comes to industry-wide, future-focused considerations, it’s the ultra-low prices that are really worrisome. However, in the case of price hikes by domestic hardwood plywood, the issue is entirely different. These domestic producers of plywood were the ones to instigate the Countervailing Duty for starters. Their reasoning was rooted in the fact that Chinese plywood manufacturers were able to offer much lower prices because the Chinese government subsidizes their industry. It seemed to make sense for the US manufacturers to ask their own government to help them out. No problems so far.

Once the Countervailing Duty was enacted, though, domestic plywood manufacturers suddenly and proportionately increased their prices, supposedly due to “increased raw materials costs.” Really? It seems like perhaps instead of enjoying their newfound appeal due to the higher prices of Chinese imports, domestic plywood manufacturers were simply raising their prices out of greed. The result is that instead of helping domestic products to be chosen over imports, the same pricing issue that existed before the government got involved exists once again.

Cherry Plywood
Cherry Plywood

On April 29, 2013, the Department of Commerce announced preliminary anti-dumping (AD) rates that will largely punish Chinese suppliers for selling at or below market cost. Added to the new Countervailing Duty, the aim of this new duty is intended to make buying higher-quality domestic hardwood lumber a virtual no-brainer for American customers. However, if the domestic manufacturers respond to this new intervention like they did to February’s Countervailing Duty, the original goal will not be achieved, and those who rely heavily on hardwood plywood will suffer.

Certainly, there’s more to the domestic manufacturers’ side of things than we’ve already explored. Some simply cannot keep up with the increased demand for their products and have no choice but to raise prices in order to quell the demand. Regardless of the motives behind the price hikes, these rising hardwood plywood prices will take some careful restructuring of bids and strategic planning from builders. We at J. Gibson McIlvain will try our best to keep a finger on the pulse of these developments and advise our customers accordingly.

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods. As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Learn more about the Lumber Industry:

  • What is the outlook for Teak with the looming Myanmar log ban?
  • Dealing with the virtual inaccessibility of Spanish Cedar
  • J Gibson McIlvain: Custom architectural plywood

Filed Under: Plywood

Bruynzeel Marine-Grade Plywood

Last updated on September 26, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

At J. Gibson McIlvain, we’ve found that boat builders have a special appreciation for the 100% weather resistant plies of Bruynzeel marine-grade plywood that we supply. The BS1088 certification clearly communicates this manufactured wood product’s suitability to boat building. We’re so impressed with the high quality of this product that we’ve decided to do more than carry it; we’re now exclusively distributing Bruynzeel plywood throughout North America. That allows us to import it directly from Le Vanneau, France, instead of working with brokers and other middlemen. Not only does this mean a lower cost, but it will also result in a more reliable supply chain. Now we’ll be able to provide our customers this excellent plywood product at an even better price and with more options available. But why are we so excited about Bruynzeel marine-grade plywood? Read on to find out.

Sure, there are many plywood manufacturers that throw around the phrase “marine-grade” and even earn BS 1088 grading. However, Bruynzeel is one of the few that can actually withstand full submersion in water and a full range of environmental fluctuations and conditions. Of course, all truly waterproof and weather resistant ply carries the BS 1088 designation, but Bruynzeel actually takes that grade to a whole new level, producing a higher grade that does not have a distinct classification.

First, Gaboon, a completely weather-resistant species, is used for the panel. Gaboon is closely related to Okoume, which is used for many other lumber products. Like Okoume, Gaboon has a consistent grain; it also boasts a weather resistance on par with Mahogany. Face veneers and other plies are also made from high-quality Gaboon veneers that have been steamed. Face veneers contain no defects or joints, creating a premium barrier to moisture, along with the solid veneer sheet that coats the exterior. In addition to the weather-resistant panel, face veneers, and other plies, the joining adds additional strength to the product because WBF (weather and boil proof) phenolic glue is used.

But lumber quality and joining mechanism are only part of the equation that leads to high end marine-grade ply: Quality manufacturing is also key. The Hechthout patented process used here at McIlvain Company produces an extremely stable, flat, rigid, and lightweight panel that’s ideal for the boat-building industry. The single-sheet face veneer looks a lot like Mahogany, adding beauty to its long list of prize characteristics. What’s more, the tight grain creates a smooth surface that can finish like glass. Boat builders who care about performance will be impressed by the result.

In fact, we know many boat-builders who won’t use anything but Bruynzeel panels. They know that when they use Bruynzeel, they won’t face warping, rot, or de-laminated panels. Instead, they’re given a 20-year guarantee.

As a direct importer of Bruynzeel marine-grade plywood, J. Gibson McIlvain is thrilled to offer competitive pricing on thicknesses ranging from 1/8” to 1”, ready to ship from our lumber yard to anywhere in North America. And because we are also home to one of the nation’s most impressive inventories of domestic and exotic hardwoods and softwoods, we can also include Teak or other solid wood species for your boat’s interior, allowing you to save significantly on shipping prices.

For over 200 years, McIlvain has been a lumber industry leader. And with their vast inventory, their stringent quality control standards, and their unmatched expertise, it’s no wonder why. If you are in need of lumber of lumber-related services, contact McIlvain today with any questions. For more information, click here to visit them online, or check out these selections from their lumber blog:

  • Why We Hate the Plywood Grading System
  • The Slippery Slope of Grading Adjustments
  • Lumber Sustainability and Stewardship

Filed Under: Plywood

The Right Wood for Rafts

Last updated on September 21, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Marine Grade Okoume

A wooden raft likely evokes memories of the famous river-raft escape in the classic tale Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. While tying a few logs together might help you safely float down stream long enough to read a classic novel, you’ll need to be a little more selective with the wood you choose if you want your sailing vessel to stand the test of time. One step toward understanding why marine-grade plywood is important is to realize the distinctions between it and its two second cousins, pressure-treated plywood and exterior-grade plywood.

Also referred to as “wolmanized,” P.T. plywood is simply run-of-the-mill interior-grade plywood that has been subjected to pressurized chemicals in order to increase its rot-resistant qualities. The chemicals involved are arsenic and copper compounds that can actually be leached with repeated water exposure. Because P.T. plywood needs to be able to be penetrated by the chemicals, it is often made with soft woods, oftentimes with many gaps or voids.

Exterior-grade plywood has a void-free outer layer and is comprised of multiple layers that adhere to one another with the aid of water-resistant glue. However, gaps and voids may well exist in the interior layers of the wood, potentially allowing cuts to reveal gaps.

Marine Fir Plywood

By contrast to pressure-treated and exterior-grade plywood, marine-grade plywood is free of gaps and voids in all the layers, which are laminated with a water-proof glue. Because of the care taken in the selection of wood and the adhesive used, water cannot penetrate the integrity of the wood. Marine-grade plywood seldom bubbles, warps, or comes apart, even when subjected to constant immersion. Even when you cut it, no voids will be revealed.

One of the bench marks of quality marine-grade plywood is that it is comprised of harder woods, such as Douglas Fir and Okoume. Known for its strength and ability to bend, Douglas Fir is the most economical option for marine-grade plywood. While its faces may have some patches or repairs, they will include no voids. The natural weather resistance of Douglas Fir makes it a durable option for use in boat-building or other sea-faring applications. One down side of using Douglas Fir plywood is that it is not known for having a consistent appearance.

When aesthetics are a factor, Okoume plywood is optimal. While Okoume wood lacks natural weather resistance, its tight, consistent grain and lightness make it a legitimate consideration. For plywood, it is treated with WBP phenolic glue and then laminated to its Fir core. With a finish like that of glass, Okoume marine-grade plywood is a popular choice for decking and other veneered applications, making it a favorite of boat-builders everywhere.

J. Gibson McIlvain’s inventory of marine-grade plywood includes a high-quality selection of veneer ply counts and thicknesses in both Douglas Fir and Okoume. For more information, visit McIlvain’s website or call them at 800-638-9100.

Read more on the McIlvain blog:

  • Do you really need marine grade plywood?
  • Okoume and Douglas Fir marine grade plywood
  • Suppliers of fine wood for yacht construction

Filed Under: Plywood

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Popular Articles

  • Give Furniture an Antique Look With Pickling
  • Western Red Cedar Lumber
  • Marine Grade Plywood
  • Sapele Wood - Suppliers & Wood FAQs
  • Key Differences Between Cherry And Mahogany

Recent Articles

  • Domestic Species Focus: Western Red Cedar Wood
  • Domestic Species Focus: Walnut Wood
  • Domestic Species Focus: Douglas Fir Wood
  • Domestic Species Focus: Cherry Wood
  • Domestic Species Focus: 3 Types of Maple
  • Domestic Species Focus: Alaskan Yellow Cedar
  • Domestic Species Focus: 2 Species of Oak
  • The Continual Flooring Trend: Real Hardwood Flooring
  • Make a Dramatic Statement with Light or Dark Wood Floors
  • Is an Open Concept Floor Plan Right for You?

Recent Comments

  • Shannon on Western Red Cedar Lumber
  • jake murphy on Western Red Cedar Lumber
  • Shannon on Western Red Cedar Lumber
  • Scott Wheeler on Western Red Cedar Lumber

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap